The make up of the Kiriji Treaty that ended all wars in Yoruba land

Before the treaty , Yoruba land was torn apart by a civil war between the Ijesa/Ekiti parapo confederation and Oyo empire.

It was this treaty signed somewhere in Imesi-Ile that brough the Yoruba wars aka Kiriji war to an end.

The significance of the treaty was that the British colonialists only recognised Alaafin of Oyo as the head of the Yoruba.

The treaty was between the Alaafin of Oyo and The Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and other Yoruba obas.

And it was signed on July 3, 1888 by Adeyemi Alaafin of Oyo, King and head of Yoruba land.

Contents of the treaty are:

Treaty between Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo and Head Yoruba Land and Her Majesty, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland.


"I Adeyemi Alaafin of Oyo and Head of Yoruba Land, the four corners of which have been for time immemorial known as Egba,Ketu, Jebu and Oyo embracing within its area that inhabited by all Yoruba speaking peoples being desirous of entering into and maintaining for ever friendly relation with the subject of Her Majesty, The Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and of developing the resources of Yoruba by means of legitimate trade with the subject of Her Majesty and those under her protection or who may hereafter come under her protection and in gratitude for what the Queen has at so much expense and risk to life done from time to time for my country have this day at the city of Oyo in the presence of those who have hereunto subscribe their names as witness declare my intention of Abiding by the following articles.

"1. From hence forth there should be peace and friendship between the subject 8 of Her Majesty, The Queen and those under her protection and The Alaafin of Oyo and King of Yoruba Land his people over whom he has authority and influence.

"2. The subject of The Queen may always trade freely with the people of Oyo and the Yoruba speaking country in ever article they may wish to buy and sell all towns, rivers creeks, waters, markets and places within territories known as Yoruba and I, Adeyemi pledge myself to show no favor and give no privilege to trades or people of other country which I do not give or show to those of the Queen.

"3. British subject and other under the Queen protection are to have the first consideration in all trade transition with my peoples.

"4. No tolls, duties, fees, imposts or charges shall be charged or levied upon the person or property of any British subject or other person under Her Majesty's prtoection other than and beyond that or those which are customary and reasonable, or may from time to time be agreed upon to be so levied or charged by the Governor of Lagos and myself.

"5. I will not allow any disputes that may arise between people frequenting or visiting the markets in my territory to interfere with or stop the markets; and all differences or disputes that may arise other than trade disputes between my peoples and those of other nations and tribes visiting the markets shall be adjusted by me or referred for adjustment and settlement to the decision of an arbitrator appointed by the Governor of Lagos, and the decision and award of such arbitrator shall be finally conclusive.

"6. I engage as far as in me lies to bring about new markets between the Oyos and toher Yoruba-speaking peoples, to promote the enlargement of existing ones, and to keep open all the roads through my kingdom to the Niger, and towards the coast.

"7. It is hereby further agreed that no cession of territory and no other Treaty or Agreement shall be made by me other than the one I have now made without the full understanding and consent of the Governor for the time being of the said Colony of Lagos.

8. In consideration of the faithful observance of the foregoing Articles of the Agreement the Government of Lago will make unto me a yearly dash to the value of 200 (two hundred) bags of cowries, but such dash may upon breach or neglect of all or any one or more of the provisions of the Agreement and at the discretion of the Governor of the Colony of Lagos be altogether withdrawn or suspended.




FI